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Technicote in Cuyahoga Falls unveils addition following fire in December 2011 (with video)

By ellin walsh | ReporterPublished: January 13, 2013 12:00AM

Cuyahoga Falls -- A ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 8 marked the opening of a new chapter in the history of Technicote in the city.

Most of the company's plant, at 70 Marc Drive, was destroyed by a fire in mid-December 2011. The company, which manufactures pressure sensitive label products, invested more than $10 million to rebuild and expand. A 45,800-square-foot state-of-the-art addition was unveiled last week, which will mean the retention of 40 jobs and the creation of 12 new full-time jobs.

It was during an overnight shift in December 2011 that a spark from a machine ignited a cleaning solvent, causing the fire.

"I remember saying then (after the fire) that we would come out of this an even stronger company," Technicote President Doug O'Connell stated Jan. 8, "and I think that we're in the process of fulfilling that vision, coming out of what was really a terrible situation a lot stronger."

Technicote was founded in Cuyahoga Falls in 1980; it now boasts 10 manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America.

The Marc Drive facility features adhesive and silicone coaters, new wide web slitters and an improved process flow design throughout the plant.

O'Connell said the decision to rebuild and expand the Cuyahoga Falls plant was based on a desire to retain its experienced workforce as well as the fact the city of Cuyahoga Falls has been easy to work with.

"Most of all, though," O'Connell said, "I want to thank every employee … because you guys really stepped up and did above and beyond. There were a bunch of you guys who traveled all the way to Terre Haute to work … That allowed us to continue to supply our customers and keep the business going … so I'm feeling really, really happy that we are fulfilling that vision of emerging from what was really a terrible situation stronger and better than ever."

"As dim and dark and dreary as it was Dec. 16 of 2011 is conversely how bright and how hopeful it is today," Mayor Robart said, adding, " … With the decision made to rebuild at the original site, Technicote remains an important factor in the continued vitality of the Cuyahoga Falls business community."